A Pennsylvania bill to allow pre-canvassing of mail-in and absentee ballots up to seven days before an election, has passed the State House. According to the Pa., Election Code, “pre-canvass” is defined as “the inspection and opening of all envelopes containing official absentee or mail-in ballots, the removal of such ballots from envelopes and the counting, computing and tallying of the votes reflected on the ballots.” Under the rule, the term does not include the recording or publishing of the votes reflected on the ballots. Current state law states that pre-canvassing cannot begin until 7 a.m. on election day. House Bill 847, sponsored by State Representative Scott Conklin of Centre County, would extend time up to 7 days before elections. Conklin says the bill is a response to a large increase in mail-in and absentee ballots in recent years.
